The kidney plays a crucial role in several essential physiological functions, making it one of the most important organs in our body.

It functions as an excretory organ by filtering unneeded substances from the body and eliminating them through urine.

This includes getting rid of drugs in their inactive form after they have been metabolised by the body.

This function makes the kidney vulnerable to the effects of drugs, thus giving rise to the perception that medicines might pose a risk of causing kidney failure.

Painkillers and medicines for chronic illnesses, in particular, are often subjected to this perception.

So, can medicines really lead to kidney failure?

Known risk factors

There are several known risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual developing kidney failure.

Among the most significant factors are uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), which can result from failure to adhere to the prescribed medicines.

Taking medications inappropriately also contributes to the risk of kidney failure.

This can occur when a person takes drugs known to induce kidney failure without proper medical supervision or exceeding the recommended dosage.

In addition, taking unregistered health products or unnotified cosmetics raises the risk of kidney damage.

All health and cosmetic products marketed in Malaysia must undergo registration or notification respectively with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) before they can be sold in the country.

This is to ensure that they meet the proper safety and quality requirements set by the Health Ministry.

Other risk factors include obesity, older age and smoking.

Autoimmune illnesses, a previous episode of acute kidney injury, and severe infections such as sepsis, are also linked to a higher risk of kidney failure.

Beware unregistered health products

Some patients, particularly those dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, are concerned about following their prescribed drug regimens due to their belief that these medicines can cause harm to the kidneys.

As a result, they do not take their medicines properly, or at all (non-compliance), which subsequently results in their diabetes and hypertension being poorly controlled.

Letting the disease go untreated, or treating it in a sub-optimal manner, can lead to complications, including kidney failure.

It is also worrisome when patients use traditional medicines or health supplements as an adjunct or alternative to the prescribed treatment without first consulting with their doctor.

This becomes even more concerning when we consider the possibility that these alternative products may not be registered with the Health Ministry, meaning that they have not undergone the proper checks for safety and quality.

Unregistered products or unnotified cosmetics might increase the risk of kidney failure due to contamination with prohibited substances like controlled medicines (drugs that can only be used with a doctor’s prescription) or heavy metals.

Controlled medicines, like painkillers from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) group, and heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, can cause kidney failure if taken for a prolonged time without supervision by healthcare professionals.

This is as eliminating these harmful substances from the body places an extra burden on the kidneys, and can sometimes harm them directly.

Take medicines as advised

Patients, as well as the public, need to correct the misunderstanding that medicines are responsible for kidney failure.

Typically, the medicines that are provided by qualified healthcare professionals to patients are of high quality, safe and effective.

Adhering to the prescribed dosage, frequency and duration can prevent the harmful effects of drug overdose.

Certain medicines might lead to kidney failure if taken in amounts exceeding the prescribed dose.

This is why patients should not simply increase the dosage of their medicines before consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Likewise, before taking medicines purchased from a community pharmacy, patients should consult the pharmacist for detailed guidance on the proper dosage and frequency of taking the medication.

Patients should not discontinue treatment and opt for other products without consulting their doctor.

Do not believe advertisements or sellers of so-called alternative treatments that assert their product is effective in curing chronic illness and is free of adverse effects – these claims are usually untrue.

These alternative “treatments” are typically unregistered products whose quality, safety and effectiveness in controlling illnesses is not guaranteed.

Indeed, these products might actually contain ingredients that increase the risk of kidney failure.

Patients, as well as the public, should be cautious of any misleading information on medicines.

If you have any doubts or questions regarding your medicines, especially when it comes to side effects, it is advisable to seek guidance and clarification from trusted healthcare professionals such as doctors or pharmacists.

Also, refrain from spreading inaccurate information on medicines that could lead to misunderstandings within the community.

The belief that taking medicines can cause kidney failure is a misconception that needs to be addressed.

It is crucial for patients with chronic illnesses to adhere to their treatment in order for their condition to be managed well.

Remember that medicines should be taken correctly as instructed by qualified healthcare professionals.

For any inquiries regarding medicines, call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays.

Mohd Shahiri Abd Ghapar is a pharmacist with the Health Ministry’s Pharmacy Practice and Development Division. This article is courtesy of the Pharmacy Practice and Development Division. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.